The sweet and vibrant tones of New Orleans jazz have been echoing in the corridors of Greenwich High School and Brunswick School, thanks to an educational initiative spearheaded by the legendary Preservation Hall Brass Band.
This remarkable venture used the Preservation Hall Foundation’s educational materials, known as the Preservation Hall Lessons, which delve into the rich history, culture, songs, and genres of New Orleans. The local band directors have integrated this material into their programs, providing students with an in-depth understanding of the musical traditions of the famed city.
The Preservation Hall Brass Band, comprised of award-winning musicians, conducted a masterclass in brass music, gave performances at all-grade assembly days, and spent invaluable time sharing musical knowledge with students. The focus of their visit was not just on teaching students to play but also on the significance of each instrument and technique in New Orleans’ unique musical landscape.
With the upcoming Greenwich Town Parade and Fiesta on May 23 and the Greenwich Town Party (GTP) on May 27, students are preparing to participate in both for what is sure to be a thrilling musical experience. At the GTP, the Town Stage will host a unique collaboration featuring members of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and these local students.
The Preservation Hall Lessons have a broader goal beyond teaching music. Their ambition is to nurture students’ growth, both educationally and emotionally, through the immersive teaching of music arts, preserving and perpetuating New Orleans’ rich musical culture.
This ethos was beautifully captured in the words of band member Charlie Gabriel, who said, “I was fortunate enough to be born in New Orleans and come from the source. We were lucky enough to nurse this music here in this city with the old musicians. I didn’t know they were making history.”
The education initiative focuses on students understanding, performing, analyzing, and connecting to traditional New Orleans music and encouraging them to explore their music creativity, set goals, and use music as a tool to bring people together.
The upcoming Greenwich Town Party’s “Preservation Hall Super Jam,” curated by Ben Jaffe of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Eric Krasno, promises to be an all-star New Orleans-style celebration. Scheduled for Saturday, May 27, at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, it is poised to showcase the musical journey these students have embarked upon and continue the legacy of New Orleans music in Greenwich.
In the words of Leroy Jones, another Preservation Hall musician, “Traditional Jazz is alive. I always try to play the music with respect, finesse, and integrity to engage the audience so they can feel like a part of it.” Through this remarkable initiative, a new generation of students is learning to do just that.
